Fez, Morocco

With a population of 1.1 million people, Fez, located in the north of Morocco, is one of North Africa’s largest cities. It was founded in 789, making it Morocco’s oldest city, ahead of Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. The Bab Boujeloud, also known as the Blue Gate, marks the entrance to the old medina within Fez. The gate consists of three arches under which pedestrians and horses can pass. The façade is highly decorative and features ornate blue glazed tiles hand-painted with geometric patterns. The arched entrance is the crossing point of the two main roadways through the city, the Talaa Seghira and the Talaa Kebira. This distinct section of the city also houses the oldest university in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine.

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